EU autonomy
Reference to ‘EU’s strategic autonomy’; the statement of the French President that the EU should desist from following the US or China on the Taiwan issue is the start of a new world order and weakening of the US grip on the EU. Russia and China are already aligned against the US on the Ukraine issue. At the behest of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to improve their relations. In the present scenario, China has largely succeeded in changing the world order. It will be in the US interest to woo countries that have strategic stakes in containing the might of China and stop the proxy war against Russia. Otherwise, it may lose control over NATO and other friendly countries.
Virender Sharma, Shimla
NATO’s overreach
Refer to ‘EU’s strategic autonomy’; the French President is showing spine by nudging EU countries to become a formidable third pole after the US and China. The bogey of NATO to intimidate countries is proving counterproductive, at least in this day and age. With Finland joining NATO, the possibility of ending the Ukraine war looks distant. This is as good as going one step forward and two steps backwards. The French President shall walk the talk only if all EU countries revisit the menacing role of NATO. Is it really safeguarding their interests or is it becoming a powder keg? The only glimmer of hope could be clipping NATO’s wings rather than giving it more teeth.
Deepak Singhal, Noida
Big cat population
Apropos of ‘Tiger count up’; it is heartening to see the big cat population progress in Project Tiger on its 50th anniversary. New efforts to conserve the big cats, including tigers, will have a positive result on forest conservation. India’s policy approach has been to side-step framing the issue as an ecology vs economy one as it recognises their inter-link. But if this approach is to be meaningful, the laws that enable the coexistence of ecology and economy need more work. Human-animal conflict is a serious problem that can undermine efforts. A more practical approach to limit human presence in dedicated corridors is essential. The proposed Bill must have a clause incorporated in favour of wildlife conservation and not endanger areas rich in biodiversity. To build on Project Tiger’s success, we need to protect our forests better.
PL SINGH, by mail
Sex racket
Refer to ‘Lid off prostitution racket, 10 arrested’; such rackets are a form of criminal activity that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit, besides violating human rights and perpetuating a cycle of violence and oppression. It is important to address the root cause of prostitution, such as poverty and inequality, in order to prevent individuals from being sucked into this industry. Law enforcement agencies must be given the resources and support to identify and prosecute those who engage in this racket. Society should work together to protect those who are most at risk.
Shruti Jain, Ghaziabad
Cyber fraud
Apropos of ‘Cyber thugs create fake websites of Manali hotels, defraud tourists booking rooms online’; cyber thugs are a growing threat to tourists as they are using various methods to defraud unsuspecting travellers. They often use sophisticated tactics such as phishing scams, fake websites and malware to steal personal and financial information from tourists. Once they have access to this information, they can make fraudulent purchases, drain accounts, or steal identities. Tourists must take precautions to protect their information when travelling. They should avoid Wi-Fi networks, use strong passwords and monitor their financial accounts regularly. Governments and tourism organisations can raise awareness and implement measures to prevent such crimes.
Navneet kaur, Rajpura
Social exclusion
As per the Ministry of Education, 33 suicides have been reported from IITs in the past five years. The recent case of Darshan Solanki indicates that communalism is still prevalent. Social exclusion in educational institutions questions the foundation of society. It is unacceptable how humankind is bound to such shackles that deepen the wounds of many. It is in our hands to make the world better or bitter.
Arshnoor, Mohali
Taliban ban
Refer to ‘Taliban bar entry of women to eateries with open spaces’; it is horrifying what women are going through in Afghanistan. They are even banned from public spaces such as parks and gyms. This is a violation of basic human rights. In this era of equality and breaking conservative gender roles, how can a whole community live in such fear? International organisations must shed more light on these matters so that the plight of the Afghan women can be ameliorated.
Aaditya Thakur, Ambala Cantt
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